Special Events on Sydney Harbour

Boxing Day

Be onboard for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts on 26 December at 1pm.

The race will start on the waters of Sydney Harbour, then follow the Australian Coast through the Tasman Sea, to Storm Bay and the Derwent River in Tasmania.

Over the past 65 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has become an icon of Australia’s summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup horse race, the Davis Cup tennis and the cricket tests between Australia and England.

No other annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour.

The 628 nautical mile course is often described as the most gruelling long ocean race in the world, a challenge to everyone who takes part.

From the spectacular start in Sydney Harbour, the fleet sails out into the Tasman Sea, down the south-east coast of mainland Australia, across Bass Strait (which divides the mainland from the island State of Tasmania), then down the east coast of Tasmania. At Tasman Island the fleet turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the historic port city of Hobart.

Crews sailing the yachts come from many countries of the world. They are from many different professions and trades.

Come aboard with Australian Spirit Sailing to be a part of the excitement and colour of the start of the Sydney to Hobart race.

You will see the competing yachts up-close and join in one of Australia’s great traditions – Sydney to Hobart race Start on Boxing Day.